Connor Mortell - Perfectly suit-ed for success

When I met Connor Mortell, I fast-forwarded mentally and envisioned him sometime in the next decade in sartorial splendor on the pages of GQ!

Although it was a steamy July day in Florida, Connor was dressed in a suit and tie, which he told me he loves wearing and which certainly “suited” his mature and optimistic personality.

Connor is a 15-year old sophomore at The Pine School, which he has attended for all of his school years. Even in this place known for high-achieving students, he has made his mark.

Connor is a member of Rotary Youth Leadership Assembly (RYLA), a national program which emphasizes leadership, citizenship and personal growth.

Although few are asked to participate before their sophomore or junior year in high school, Connor was tapped for membership by a current Rotarian while still in his freshman year.

He soon proved the decision was a good one: what started out as a birthday party became a major fundraiser when Connor suggested all the attendees bring a can of food rather than a gift. He and his friend, Jessie Green, collected more than 44-pounds of food, which translated into 34 meals and which they donated to the Treasure Coast Food Bank.

Connor says that one of the things stressed by RYLA is “service above self,” which coincides with the philosophy with which he has been raised by his dad, Mike and his late mom, Megan. They instilled in both him and his younger brother the need to give back.

Another of Connor’s successful edeavors was made very meaningful because of his mom.

Connor’s cousin was involved with the South Martin Country Relay for Life in 2010 amd encouraged Connor to put a team from the Pine School together. When his mom Megan passed away on Dec. 7 of that year, her obituary asked for funds to be donated to Connor’s team.

He wound up raising $19,835.01 - a number he absolutely loved, since it demonstrated that every penny counts. It was a pretty impressive showing for the youngest team leader!

Once again this year, he organized a Pine School team with friend and fellow student Cassie Pfeiffer, which raised $2,400.01. Connor says he sees himself being involved with Relay every year - that it’s an event he loves.

This year, just 15 minutes before the opening ceremony started, Connor was asked to give the Caregiver’s Speech, which he says was very emotional and a big compliment to him. Although I wasn’t there, I have no doubt that this articulate and compelling young man aced it.

Connor has been involved in student government every year (not surprising for someone who’s dad was a Stuart City Commissioner who twice served as mayor) and hopes to be in the National Honor Society.

He loves to ski and read, and shares an annual tradition with his dad and brother wherein they attend Camp Deerhorn in Wisc., a father/son camp which Mike attended with his own father and brothers when he was young.

Occasionally you meet someone with a special spark, the charisma and personality that few are lucky to possess. Have you met Connor Mortell? If so, I think you’ll agree that he’s one of those people.